Acoustic Performance as a Design Driver: Sound Simulation and Parametric Modeling Using SmartGeometry

Abstract

Acoustic performance is an inevitable part of architectural design. Our sonic experience is modified by the geometry and material choices of the designer. Acoustic performance must be understood both on the level of material performance and also at the level of the entire composition.With new parametric and scripting tools performance driven design is possible. Parametric design and scripting tools can be used to explore not only singular objectives, but gradient conditions. Acoustic performance is often thought of in terms of singular performance criteria.This research suggested acoustic design can be understood in terms of gradients and multiple performance parameters. Simulation and modeling techniques for computational acoustic prediction now allow architects to more fully engage with the phenomenon of sound and digital models can be studied to produce data, visualizations, animations, and auralizations of acoustic performance.SmartGeometry has promoted design methods and educational potentials of a performance-driven approach to architectural design through parametric modeling and scripting.The SmartGeometry workshops have provided links between engineering and architecture, analysis and design; they have provided parametric and scripting tools that can provide both a common platform, links between platforms, but importantly an intellectual platform where these ideas can mix. These workshops and conferences have inspired two projects that both used acoustic performance as a design driver. The Smithsonian Institution Courtyard Enclosure and the Manufacturing Parametric Acoustic Surfaces (MPAS) installation at SmartGeometry 2010 are presented as examples of projects that used sound simulation parametric modeling to create acoustically performance driven architecture.

Evaluation of the influence of building façade design on the acoustic characteristics and auditory perception of urban spaces

“…Once the model had been calibrated, several scenarios have been simulated through ODEON (v. 13), in which the characteristics of the façade upholsteries (namely, the sound absorption and sound scattering coefficients) have been modified. In particular, two different materials have been tested in addition to the plastered brickwork assigned for the model calibration, with different degrees of sound-absorbing properties, namely, a coarse concrete and a green wall façade.…”

“…Recent works have tried to move toward an integration of sound as a design driver in building design, which goes beyond the acoustic parameters used in the design of specific spaces, such as classrooms and auditoria. The Manufacturing Parametric Acoustic Surfaces by Peters 13 is designed to evoke a selection of “sound effects” inferred from the work of Augoyard and Torgue 14 from the Loboratoire CRESSON , and as stated by Recchia, 15 some examples of the contemporary architectural production reveal the use of sound as an aesthetic component of design and an attention to the creation of “sound ambiance” through the attentive design of shapes and materials. However, this kind of attention on the relation between architectural design and auditory perception of spaces seems to be limited to indoor spaces, while few studies have conducted similar researches on outdoor spaces.…”

Integrating acoustic simulation in architectural design workflows: the FabPod meeting room prototype

“…38 The trend in architecture is from the creation of 2D drawings to the creation of highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) models, digital models that could be acoustically simulated; however, there are currently no architectural design tools that incorporate acoustic simulation. 3,4 To understand the acoustic performance of an interior space, geometrical acoustic simulation is the currently accepted method. 1 The technique of ray-tracing is commonly used in the computer simulation of visual scenes and forms one of the algorithmic foundations of the digital design environment.…”

“…3 As architects become more computationally proficient, there is a tendency to introduce performance feedback into the design process either through the adoption of existing analysis software or the development of bespoke analysis computer programs. 4 The FabPod is a prototype meeting room for the new Design Hub building at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. The FabPod is a free-standing meeting room situated in an open-plan working environment.…”

The Agency of Responsive Envelopes: Interaction, Politics and Interconnected Systems

“…Through the evaluation of the formal capabilities of particular origami patterns and physical testing of acoustic and electro-acoustic performance, it was determined that an 18" plywood triangle would allow for optimum performance. Based on this, the team decided to develop a full-scale system prototype using a tessellated pattern first developed by Ron Resch [33], which is comprised of two sizes of triangular cells.…”